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Tropical Cyclone Local Statement
ActiveDade; Walker; Catoosa; Whitfield; Murray
Status
In Progress
Started about 1 hour ago
Ends
Issued
Severity
Moderate
Urgency
Expected
Certainty
Likely
Details
HLSFFC
This product covers North and Central Georgia
**HURRICANE ISAIAS STRENGTHENING OVER THE GULF**
NEW INFORMATION ---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Chattahoochee, Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson, and Webster
* STORM INFORMATION: - About 750 miles south-southwest of Atlanta GA or about 650 miles south-southwest of Columbus GA - 24.0N 89.8W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement East-northeast or 60 degrees at 10 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------
As of 2 PM ET, Hurricane Isaias was located in the southern Gulf with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, moving ENE at 10 mph. Isaias is forecast to turn northward on Friday and accelerate towards the northern Gulf Coast late Friday into early Saturday. As Isaias moves inland on Saturday, widespread impacts are expected across North and Central Georgia, including a prolonged period of strong, gusty winds, heavy rainfall with localized flooding, and the potential for several tornadoes.
The wind field associated with Isaias is expected to expand considerably as the system moves inland over the Gulf Coast and up across Mississippi and Alabama. Strong winds will extend well east of the center, potentially into West-Central Georgia. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for this area where wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will be possible. Further north and east, while Isaias will be weakening and becoming post-tropical, there will be a very strong pressure gradient between the system and strong high pressure over the Mid-Atlantic. This gradient will support a prolonged period of strong easterly winds with frequent gusts to 40 to 50 mph across most of North Georgia from early Saturday through early Sunday. A High Wind Watch has been issued for this area. The prolonged and strong winds could lead to power outages from downed limbs and trees, especially when combined with saturated soils from periods of heavy rain.
Isaias will bring widespread rainfall, with multiple bands of heavy rain expected Friday night through Sunday. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are likely across much of the area, with localized amounts up to 5 inches possible. This rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor-drainge areas, as well as flood-prone creeks and streams. A Flood Watch has been issued for the entire area.
Additionally, as Isaias tracks northward and inland on Saturday, a favorable environment for tornadoes will develop across North and Central Georgia, and potentially linger into Sunday morning. Several tornadoes will be possible, particularly within the outer rainbands of the system. These types of tornadoes typically develop quickly, and could occur throughout the overnight hours Saturday night.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS -----------------
* WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible significant impacts across North and Central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Numerous power and communications outages.
* FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across North and Central Georgia. Potential impacts include: - Rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
* TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across North and Central Georgia. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business.
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.
Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others.
When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe.
Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.
Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast.
There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on creating an emergency plan see ready.ga.gov - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE -----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City GA around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Data from the National Weather Service
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